How to beat a gambling addiction as almost half spend Christmas money on habit
Almost half (44%) of people who gamble at harmful levels have spent money for Christmas presents for others on gambling, new research finds.
Half (50%) of those gambling in the last 12 months at this extreme level are more likely to feel anxious or depressed in the run-up to Christmas, according to a recent YouGov survey, commissioned by GamCare.
More than two in five (41%) admit gambling can distract them from spending time with family and friends over the festive period, while a similar amount (42%) have also previously used presents they've received for Christmas to gamble.
So with extreme or frequent gambling often considered to be an addiction, why can it be particularly challenging at this time of year and what can be done to help?
What is a gambling addiction?
'Harmful' levels of gambling are considered to have a score of 8+ on the 'Problem Gambling Severity Index'.
"Gambling can be known as the 'hidden addiction', and often the signs are not clear. From experience, we understand that these are the most common ways to identify if your own or someone else's gambling has become harmful," says an expert from charity GamCare, which offers gambling support.
Five Signs Gambling Has Become Harmful:
Preoccupation – Do you spend much of your day thinking about betting? Are you finding it distracting you whilst at work, or taking you out of the moment when you spend time with friends and family? Often thinking about or planning to gamble can be one of the early warning signs that gambling could be harmful.
Withdrawal – Removing yourself from social and professional situations so that you can place a bet is another warning signal that your gambling might be going too far and that the urges to gamble are potentially harming other areas of your life.
Escape – Life can be overwhelming at times, and you might feel like you want to escape it for a while. Using gambling as a coping mechanism is a sign of harmful gambling and can lead to losing significant amounts of money.
Chasing losses – The main motive of gambling is to win money but during a gambling session, that motive can change. Chasing losses is where your motive from winning money changes to winning back the money you have already lost. This can be dangerous and lead to significant losses.
Lying – If you find yourself hiding how much you are spending or lying about the amount of time you are gambling, or perhaps asking for money to cover bills that you are spending. These are just some signs that gambling is harming your life, and possibly risking your relationships with family and friends.
And what are the effects? "Negative impacts on mental health are very common – people experience anxiety, depression and stress, and the effects on their loved ones can be just as bad. Becoming so focused on gambling can increase the isolation people feel and it can also make it harder to ask for help," says the GamCare expert.
"But there is hope and we help thousands of people to overcome gambling harms every year."
Why is Christmas especially hard for people with a gambling addiction?
"We recognise that the festive season, traditionally a time of joy, can bring unique challenges for those affected by gambling harm. The alarming statistic that almost half of those experiencing gambling harm have used money intended for Christmas presents to gamble underscores the severity of the issue," says Samantha Turton, head of remote support services at GamCare.
Several factors can contribute to the heightened vulnerability of individuals affected by gambling harm during the Christmas season, from the financial demands of the time to the pressure to be happy. With paydays often falling earlier in December, families may also face an extended period without income during the financially challenging month of January. One person in recovery who has used GamCare’s services describes how this is "very tough" and another explains how the early payday "increases the incentive to gamble".
"Christmas to me was a difficult time. I sold a lot of my Christmas presents, obviously to gamble with them. So, in recovery, it's a time of year when I feel really, really guilty. I remember every single thing I sold," says someone GamCare has supported.
Another individual in recovery explains how they were never really present. "I was in the room, drinking champagne with family, but mentally I was somewhere else. Inside, I was breaking." On top of this pressure, the abundance of opportunities to place bets, particularly on Boxing Day, can act as triggers for those struggling with gambling urges.
How can sufferers beat the addiction?
"Stopping an issue around gambling can be difficult if it has become a key part of your life. However, a mix of practical activities or hobbies to occupy your time along with taking positive action with the following steps can help," says the GamCare expert.
Talk to a friend or a family member – Talking to someone you trust is often the best place to start if you feel your gambling is going too far. Even if they may not be able to help immediately, sharing any concerns you have can be an important first step to stop your gambling from escalating.
Talk to a trained adviser at GamCare – If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know, then talking to someone you don’t know can also help. Call the National Gambling Helpline for free on 0808 8020 133 where you can speak to an adviser for non-judgmental advice and support: gamcare.org.uk
Restrict access to gambling websites – Using practical tools can also help. Gamban is a software provider that blocks access to gambling websites, and you can also self-exclude from gambling websites through GAMSTOP for free. Gamban is available for free when calling the National Gambling Helpline through the TalkBanStop partnership (talkbanstop.com).
Put banking blocks on your card – Many retail banks now offer the ability to block transactions to gambling companies. This can be an important extra layer of protection when trying to cut down or restrict your gambling. Find out more about this tool via gamcare.org.uk/banks
"We are ready to support anyone struggling throughout the festive period. As well as our Helpline, our Live Chat and WhatsApp are there to support those who may not be comfortable talking while with family and friends. As the festive season approaches, let us extend a helping hand to those experiencing gambling harm, reinforcing the spirit of compassion and support," says Turton.
GamCare’s Helpline Advisers are available one-to-one over the phone or on live chat 24 hours a day, every day of the year including Christmas Day and the whole of the festive period.
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